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Siskel and Ebert Discuss John Carpenter’s Halloween

“Artistry can redeem any subject matter,” says Roger Ebert in this clip from a 1978 episode of Siskel and Ebert Sneak Previews where they defend their positive review of Halloween, and analyze one of its classic scenes.

We at Rare Horror certainly have a bit more love for so-called “sleazebucket” films than Roger and Gene, but this remains a fascinating watch and a reminder why these two were such a special team.

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3 thoughts on “Siskel and Ebert Discuss John Carpenter’s Halloween”

I love sleazebucket movies too, some filmmakers also have the ability to elevate the lowest common denominator to an art form.

This is certainly a product of its time though. No one really sees slasher movies as dangerous now, but that was the initial appeal for me in the 80s. I loved getting scared and seeing things that I wasn’t supposed too. Halloween worked better than most because it was well crafted, but I had a ton of fun watching almost every early 80s slasher.